Civil Rights Movement Essay

Perspective Equals Beleifs June 19th, 1865 marks the day that enslaved Americans across the country learned of their freedom. Though this was a remarkable day in history; unfortunately, minorities still faced racial segregation for the next 100 years. The single most important difference in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960’s was that television and media allowed for the people to see the harsh reality of segregation. Although racist communities were vehemently against integration and equality, the media coverage over the March on Washington and the Bermingham Children’s March led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The press played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and exposing the injustices that African Americans faced during

However, without the extensive media coverage that the event received, it is unlikely that the march would have had the same impact on the national conversation about civil rights. The march was covered by all of the major television networks, as well as newspapers and magazines, and it was seen by millions of Americans. This widespread coverage helped to create a sense of urgency about the need for change in the United States. The images of the massive crowds of people, both black and white, peacefully protesting for equal rights helped to humanize the struggle for civil rights in the eyes of many Americans who may have been on the fence about the issue. The speeches given by civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, were broadcast to millions of people, and the eloquence and passion of these speeches helped to inspire and mobilize people across the country. The media coverage of the March on Washington helped to create a groundswell of public support for civil rights legislation, and just one year later, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. It is clear that without the extensive media coverage that the march received, it is unlikely that the Civil Rights Act would have been passed as quickly as it was. The media played a critical role in creating change during this pivotal moment in American

Except, it was not until the media began to cover the events of the march that the nation truly understood the severity of the situation. Television and newspaper coverage of the march showed images of peaceful children being attacked by police dogs and fire hoses. These images shocked the nation and forced people to confront the reality of segregation in the South. The media coverage of the Birmingham Children's March was critical in mobilizing public opinion and pressuring government officials to take action. The march ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The power of media coverage was undeniable in this case, as it brought the issue of civil rights to the forefront of national attention and sparked a movement that changed the course of history. The Birmingham Children's March serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a free press and the role that media can play in promoting social